1962 Map of Buckeye

About this map

Mescalero Ridge and The Caprock define the rugged verticality of this 1962 landscape, where the high plains break away toward the Querecho Plains below. This survey captures the intensive petroleum development of mid-century Lea County, evidenced by the sprawling networks of the Vacuum Oil Field, Kemnitz Oil Field, and Leamex Oil Field. Amidst this industrial infrastructure, the map preserves the traditional ranching heritage of the region, documenting numerous family-held outposts like Edison Ranch, Paschall Ranch, and the Chambers Sheep Camp. The small settlement of Buckeye serves as a hub for the surrounding oil and cattle operations. Researchers can trace the sophisticated water and resource management of the era through the various aqueducts and pipelines that crisscross the arid terrain, connecting remote sites like White Lake to the active drilling zones.